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Wales This Week, From the Heart

Wales This Week: From The Heart is now available to watch online

The Welsh Government has recently announced radical proposals to boost the number of organs which are available for donation.

Under the Human Transplantation (Wales) Bill, currently going through the Senedd, people would be deemed to have given consent for their organs to be donated, unless they sign out of the register. It's known as a soft-opt out system because bereaved families would be able to object to this 'deemed consent'.

However, many faith and patient groups have raised concerns. The Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan is in favour of organ donation, but has reservations regarding deemed consent.

I think my concern is that the present bill is not about organ donation. It's about deemed consent. Instead of asking people to give their organs, they are saying in this bill that if you haven't opted out then your organs can be used after yiour death. Now, I dont think that's a donation, that's not voluntary

– Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales

The Health minister, Lesley Griffiths, believes that there are considerable benefits to the bill.

We know that some people are very opposed to this bill however, you need to look at it and see the benefits it will bring to many people. Organ transplantation is a hugely effective form of treatment. it improves the lives of so many people.

– Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths AM

The debate over the changes to the law in Wales will go on, but if passed, Wales could lead the way in organ donation rates in the UK, and reduce the numbers waiting for transplant.

Tonight, in a special episode of Wales This Week, we take a look at the arguments both for, and against a soft-opt out scheme in Wales, and we speak to the people whose lives have been directly affected by organ donation.

*Wales This Week, From The Heart is on tonight at 8 on ITV Cymru Wales *